Developing socially equitable and climate-sensitive housing in Rwanda's towns and cities

Context

Rwanda is currently undergoing one of the fastest urbanisation processes in Africa, and at policy level, there is a wish to see this growth continue. The Rwandan Government aims to transform Rwanda into a middle-income country, and it views towns and cities as vital engines of economic growth.

The proportion of urban residents is expected to increase to 70 per cent of the population by 2050. However, urban development is not progressing as intended. Over 60 per cent of the urban population – some 3.7 million people – live in unplanned settlements without adequate access to infrastructure, services or housing. The majority of urban households are low-income, and most residents cannot afford to own property. Instead, they live in poor conditions in rented accommodation. Compounding the challenge, Rwanda currently faces a shortfall of more than two million homes.

Objective

Urban planning processes are more climate sensitive, people on low incomes have better access to affordable rented housing, and local communities are more actively involved in planning and decision-making.

Approach

To establish the necessary institutional and planning frameworks for improved access to climate-friendly and socially inclusive housing, the project addresses three priority areas:

• Integrated urban planning: The project supports participatory urban planning processes in selected cities and implements them in a climate-sensitive and socially equitable manner.
• Social housing: The project develops strategic guidelines for climate-adapted and rented social housing for low-income households, taking the needs of women into account.
• Capacity development: The project provides training to enable Rwandan urban planners to pursue comprehensive urban planning and housing development that is both socially equitable and climate-sensitive.

Last updated: March 2025